When he began taking photographs in November 2007 for his Persona diptych series, Jason Travis set out to catch up with old friends, learn more about new friends, and, most significantly, to capture a portion of their lives in terms of what each individual considered essential enough to carry around with them everyday.

Viewers of the Persona diptychs take a voyeuristic delight in not only glimpsing the items usually tucked away in bags and pockets, but in identifying with strangers by relating to the tokens they carry with them. Alongside the meticulously arranged items that each person carries, Jason situates a portrait in which the subject always seems confident and at home, comfortable in their own skin. In these snapshots, each person appears as Jason sees them, which is always beautiful. Assembling the Persona diptychs has not only allowed Jason to combine his love of photography with his knowledge of the uniqueness and beauty in each of his subjects, but also has allowed him to share this knowledge with others.

-Sam NeSmith

[From The Atlantan, July/Aug 2009]

In Persona, his deliciously voyeuristic, fashion forward portraits, Jason Travis (jasontravisphoto.com) snaps hipster Atlantans along with the contents of their messenger bags, backpacks and clutches to determine "what they deem important in their lives." You are what you schlep.

-Felicia Feaster

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[From The Atlantan, Sep/Oct 2009]

Photographer Jason Travis's ongoing Persona series debunks copious myths - for instance, that women tote around more stuff than men - by delving into the clutches of man-bags of ATL's citizens.

-Felicia Feaster

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[From Nerve.com, Nov 2009]

Do you have a monkey on your back? We all carry various burdens, though who knows what's heavier: philosophical primates, or our actual purses, bags, and laptop cases. Georgia-based photographer Jason Travis examines both in his ongoing "Persona" series, in which he photographs artists, musicians, filmmakers and other hip Atlantans, along with images of what they carry on the daily. The portraits are warm and inviting; the snapshots of all that stuff channel voyeurism to new micro-heights.

The twenty-eight-year-old photographer came up with the idea because he was "interested in what people take with them on a daily basis." He also wanted to study what we have in common, and see if our individual possessions would show communal similarities. The items captured range from M&Ms and avacados to Orbit gum and an actual gun. What do tiny ladies tote in those giant purses? Can the man-bag define the man? Here are twenty-five personas, their hidden trash and treasures revealed.